CROWDS gathered in Hoole at the weekend as the area kicked off the festive celebrations by turning on its dazzling Christmas lights for the 24th time.

Thousands stood along a bustling Faulkner Street and adjoining roads on Saturday, November 18 as the suburb's now iconic decorations came to life.

There were performances from youth band CH2 and AmaSing as well as food and drink from some of the most popular independent businesses as families and groups of friends came together for an event that has become a major fixture of Chester's Christmas calendar.

Adam Langan, Cllr for Newton and Hoole and Chair of Hoole Christmas Lights Committee, said: "It's frequently described as the start of Chester's Christmas as we're always the first lights to switch on and its a lovely community event where we celebrate the traders on the street who are such an important part of the of the high street.

Chester and District Standard: Adam Langan greets Father Christmas.Adam Langan greets Father Christmas. (Image: Hoole Lights)

"I think it was the busiest I've ever seen it, in terms of numbers of people, and it was a real moment of pride seeing that many people on the street, I still see such an appetite for the event."

Adam added that whilst the event had been a success once again, the Committee had struggled due to a lack of volunteers and that more help would ensure that this well-loved event can continue to delight Cestrians in the future.

"We didn't have as much for kids as we would have liked this year, but we've struggled with a lack of volunteers and we always need more help. There are always learnings from the event that we'll take away and look to improve upon.

"If anyone is willing to volunteer, please do get in touch with us."

You can take a look at some wonderful highlights from the evening with our photo gallery.

For more information on the event or to contact the Committee about volunteering, visit: www.facebook.com/HooleChristmasLightsSwitchOn.